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On March 31, 2010, the draft IRIS Toxicological Review of Dichloromethane (Methylene Chloride) external review draft document and the charge to external peer reviewers were released for public review and comment. The draft document and the charge to external peer reviewers were reviewed internally by EPA and by other federal agencies and White House Offices before public release. In the new IRIS process, introduced by the EPA Administrator, all written comments on IRIS assessments submitted by other federal agencies and White House Offices will be made publicly available. Accordingly, interagency comments and the interagency science consultation draft of the Toxicological Review of Dichloromethane (Methylene Chloride) and the charge to external peer reviewers are posted on this site.

The draft Toxicological Review of Dichloromethane provides scientific support and rationale for the hazard and dose-response assessment pertaining to chronic exposure to dichloromethane. Dichloromethane, also known as methylene chloride, is a colorless liquid. It is, or has been, used principally in paint strippers and removers, as a propellant in aerosols, in the manufacture of drugs, pharmaceuticals, film coatings, electronics, and polyurethane foam, as a metal cleaning solvent, and in the decaffeination process of coffee and tea.

Following external peer review the assessment will be revised taking into consideration external peer review and public comments, will undergo a final EPA internal review and a review by a science discussion with other federal agencies and White House offices, then will be posted to the IRIS Web site.